PNG family aids Solo touch team

 IT was a blessing for Solomon Islands touch football when a Papua New Guinean family came to their rescue with sporting equipment yesterday.

This gesture by a PNG family to assist a Solomon Islands national team could count as unique. 

Ray Alova and family spent over K20,000 to buy 17 pair of boots, uniforms (shorts and shirts), sports socks and two balls for the new-comers to the Pacific Games. They hosted a breakfast of local dishes and visit to the Pari village near the city.

The Alovas came to the aid of the team in response to an appeal from the Solomon Islanders for funding support.  

Alova said the family’s support was from the heart and it was good to give to the players who needed it.

“This is not the first time my family has supported the sport.  In May we gave them K10,000 to revive their competition after a trip by the Port Moresby Corporate Touch.”

In return, the players presented gifts and crafts from the islands as appreciation and respect to the family.

Team representative Simon Tepuke said the team would not have made the trip had it not been for the Alova family’s kind gesture.

“You have spent a lot of money to purchase these uniforms and we commend and appreciate your kindness,” he told the family.

“Really we face financial difficulties but you came to our assistance as one of us.

“This is our first time to Papua New Guinea and debut at the Pacific Games,” said Tepuke.